online vocabulary.com

Impervious - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Impervious means not allowing something to pass through, either physically (like water) or metaphorically (like criticism). It describes materials that resist penetration or people unaffected by outside influences.

impervious

/ɪmˈpɝviəs/ /ɪmˈpɜːviəs/

Definition:

Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected by something.

Synonyms:

impenetrable, resistant, impermeable, waterproof

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

permeable, susceptible

Common Collocations:

impervious surface, impervious material, impervious to water

Derivatives:

imperviously, imperviousness

Usage Tips:

Use "impervious" to describe materials or people unaffected by external factors like water or criticism.

Common Phrases:

impervious to criticism, impervious to change, water-impervious layer

Etymology:

From Latin "impervius," meaning "not allowing passage," from "in-" (not) + "pervius" (passable).

Examples:

  • 1. The raincoat is impervious to water and keeps you dry.
  • 2. His confidence made him impervious to their harsh comments.
  • 3. The concrete driveway is an impervious surface that prevents water absorption.
  • 4. She remained impervious to his attempts at persuasion.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS